The Orphan Population In The United States
Much has been said and written in the last few years about "orphans." The following statistical information should be of interest to everyone concerned about this subject. The Statistical Chart, as printed below, appeared in the 1961 Statistical Abstract of the United states, No. 395, page 259. (A previous reference to this information was briefly made by this author in his article entitled: "Society's Care of Dependent and Neglected Children" — Gospel Guardian, Volume 14, Number 1, page 10 — however, in quoting from the 1961 Statistical Abstract, the author failed to indicate that the figures quoted were "in thousands." The publishing of the entire chart will correct this unfortunate error.)
'Orphans, By Type, 1920 to 1960, And By Age, 1960'
(In thousands. Beginning 1980, includes Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. Orphans refer to children under 18 who have been orphaned at any time; full orphan refers to loss of both parents, paternal orphan to loss of father, maternal orphan to loss of mother. Age on last birthday. Date not exactly comparable for all years because of changes in methodology.)